The Cost of Discipleship

What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to say to us? What is his will for us today? Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, Dietrich Bonhoeffer answers these timeless questions by providing a seminal reading of the dichotomy between "cheap grace" and "costly grace."

Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament. At the center of this heroic life was a passionate 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle Wilberforce won in 1807, as well as efforts to abolish slavery itself in the British colonies.

If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty

If You Can Keep It is at once a thrilling review of America's uniqueness, and a sobering reminder that America's greatness cannot continue unless we truly understand what our founding fathers meant for us to be. The book includes a stirring call-to-action for every American to understand the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is America. It also paints a vivid picture of the tremendous fragility of that experiment and explains why that fragility has been dangerously forgotten.

D. Sangster says:"A book every American that loves America should read."

Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community

The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.

Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness

What makes a great man great? Seven Men offers answers in the captivating stories of some of the greatest men who have ever lived. In this gallery of greatness, seven historical figures come to life as real people who experienced struggles and challenges that probably would have destroyed the resolve of most other men. What was their secret?

Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness

In his eagerly anticipated follow-up to the enormously successful Seven Men, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas gives us seven captivating portraits of some of history's greatest women, all of whom changed the course of history by following God's call upon their lives - as women.

Mere Christianity

One of the most popular and beloved introductions to the concept of faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide. This audiobook brings together C. S. Lewis' legendary radio broadcasts during the war years, in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times."

Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life

What Heaven is for Real did for near-death experiences, Miracles does for the miraculous - provides undeniably compelling evidence that there's something real to be reckoned with, whatever one has thought of this topic before. It provides a wide range of real stories of the miraculous and will engage the listener in the serious discussion that this fascinating and rich subject deserves.

Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph

Jan Swafford's biographies have established him as a revered music historian, capable of bringing his subjects vibrantly to life. His magnificent new biography of Ludwig van Beethoven peels away layers of legend to get to the living, breathing human being who composed some of the world's most iconic music.

The Screwtape Letters

A masterpiece of satire, this classic has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below". At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C. S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise old devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging and humorous account of temptation - and triumph over it - ever written.

The Hiding Place

At one time, Corrie ten Boom would have laughed at the idea that she had a story to tell. For the first 50 years of her life, nothing out of the ordinary ever happened to her. She was a spinster watchmaker living contentedly with her sister and their elderly father in the tiny house over their shop in Haarlem. Their uneventful days, as regulated as their own watches, revolved around their abiding love for one another. But with the Nazi invasion and occupation of Holland, everything changed....

Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice

The English Bible was born in defiance, in exile, in flight, and in a form of exodus, the very elements that empowered William Tyndale to bring the English scripture to the common citizen. Being “a stranger in a strange land,” the very homesickness he struggled with gave life to the words of Jesus, Paul, and to the wandering Moses. Tyndale’s efforts ultimately cost him his life, but his contribution to English spirituality is measureless. Even five centuries after his death at the stake, Tyndale’s presence looms wherever English is spoken.

The Pursuit of God

During a train trip from Chicago to Texas in the late 1940s, A.W. Tozer began to write The Pursuit of God. He wrote all night, and when the train arrived at his destination, the rough draft was done. The depth of this book has made it an enduring favorite.

The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus's Crucifixion

In The Day the Revolution Began, N. T. Wright once again challenges commonly held Christian beliefs, as he did in Surprised by Hope. Demonstrating the rigorous intellect and breathtaking knowledge that have long defined his work, Wright argues that Jesus' death on the cross was not only to absolve us of our sins, it was actually the beginning of a revolution commissioning the Christian faithful to a new vocation - a royal priesthood responsible for restoring and reconciling all of God's creation.

Born Again: What Really Happened to the White House Hatchet Man

In the 1970s, against the backdrop of the explosive Watergate scandal, Charles Colson revealed the story of his own search for meaning during the tumultuous investigations that led to the collapse of the Nixon administration. A convicted former special counsel to the president, Colson paradoxically found new life - not with success and power, but while in national disgrace and serving a prison sentence.

Romans: The Greatest Letter Ever Written: Complete Set

Paul’s letter to the Romans is arguably the greatest ever written. With these 225 messages, Piper preaches through the book - verse by verse, phrase by phrase - faithfully pointing listeners to Christ and the gospel. “The glory of Christ seems more glorious to me now than it ever has. And there is no greater exposition of the Gospel of God than the book of Romans.” (John Piper)

Lectures to My Students

One contemporary scholar and authority on Spurgeon says of this work: "Next to Mr. Spurgeon's great literary work, The Treasury of David, we consider (these) Lectures to My Students his greatest single contribution to the Christian world. There is more practical wisdom, common sense and sage advice packed within these pages than with any other book of similar size, or content." This complete and unabridged edition of Spurgeon's great work will make it possible for today's generation to appreciate Spurgeon's combination of discerning wit and refreshingly practical advice.

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way. Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi's inner turmoil will challenge Christians and Muslims alike.

Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical

Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, Making Sense of God shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.

The Pilgrim's Progress: From This World to That Which Is to Come

For 300 years, The Pilgrim's Progress has remained perhaps the best-loved and most read of devotional fictions. In plain yet powerful and moving language, Bunyan tells the story of Christian's struggle to attain salvation and the Gates of Heaven. He must pass through the Slough of Despond, ward off the temptations of Vanity Fair, and fight the monstrous Apollyon. In Part II, his wife and children follow the same path, helped and protected by Great-heart, until for them, too, "the trumpets sound on the other side."

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions

In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to get in the driver’s seat, keeping any conversation moving with thoughtful, artful diplomacy. You’ll learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously through the minefields, stop challengers in their tracks, turn the tables and—most importantly—get people thinking about Jesus.

How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels

New Testament scholar N. T. Wright reveals how we have been misreading the Gospels for centuries, powerfully restoring the lost central story of the scripture: that the coronation of God through the acts of Jesus was the climax of human history. Wright fills the gaps that centuries of misdirection have opened up in our collective spiritual story, tracing a narrative from Eden to Jesus to today.

Knowing God

A lifelong pursuit of knowing God should embody the Christian's existence. According to eminent theologian J.I. Packer, however, Christians have become enchanted by modern skepticism and have joined the "gigantic conspiracy of misdirection" by failing to put first things first. Knowing God aims to redirect our attention to the simple, deep truth that to know God is to love His Word.

Publisher's Summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace, this is a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler. A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Nazism.

After discovering the fire of true faith in a Harlem church, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Führer and was hanged in Flossenbürg concentration camp at age thirty-nine. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex figures of the twentieth century.

Bonhoeffer presents a profoundly orthodox Christian theologian whose faith led him to boldly confront the greatest evil of the twentieth century and uncovers never-before-revealed facts, including the story of his passionate romance.

I had never heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer until I listened recently to a Podcast of "Understanding the Times" The Author Eric Metaxas was discussing his new book. The book was an amazing biography of a very special man who lived in Germany during the early part pf the 20th Century. He saw the 1st World War, The Depression, the Wiemar Republic fall and Hitler National Socialist Party take control of Germany.

The author skillfully weavers Dietrich life into the events of the times in a way that makes you feel like you are truly living there. The depth of Dietrich writings are moving and very rich in spiritual and human feeling. He was a theologian who was not able to keep his faith in the seminary but was moved by an invisible hand to live his life in full view. This deep spiritual passion for the truth that he lived out, caused Dietrich to come to a clear theological reason why he was involved in Hitlers assassination. Which was what caused his eventual martyrdom at the hand of the SS.

One really troubling fact that I saw while listening to this book was the similarities to many of the events leading up to Hitlers power and how the world is today. The worldwide church must not make the same mistake that the German Church made or we are bound to repeat history.

I have now purchased Dietrich other book "Discipleship" which he wrote during the war as I am keen to immerse myself into this rich Christ centered life that was Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

PS: The only reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt the author went into a little to much detail about places, locations and personal meetings that did not add to the richness of the Biography.

PSS: "The Cross and the Swastika" Is another book that puts a profound prologue to the end of the war and answers the question, "Did any key Nazi repent" ?

This is a great listen for the social history detail of the period and also for following the development of a courageous man's thinking about moral issues: To arrive at nonviolence as a personal philosphy, and yet face circumstances where involvement in a violent plot is the "last resort" solution to a desperate situation becomes a moral choice! For me, Bonhoeffer is the great the icon of the 20th century, with all its moral dilemmas, and this bio does him justice. It also helps in understanding how otherwise good people -- so many of Bonhoeffer's fellow citizens -- slide into and rationalize immoral choices.

I hesistated to download this because I had found Metaxas' Amazing Grace to be a bit rambling and the tone a bit odd, but Bonhoeffer is both a stronger bio and is better narrated.

I'm an adult high school history teacher, and I am always amazed that most students (even those who know great detail of WWII battles etc.) have NEVER heard of Bonhoeffer. I hope this book and the deserved publicity it is getting change that. Nevermind Valhalla - Bonhoeffer's story deserves a Hollywood film all its own.

I have read most of Bonhoffer's work and many, many biographies, and this stands as the best and most comprehensive. Metaxas does a wonderful job of placing Bonhoeffer in his times, showing the many sides of him usually left out or lightly sketched in other books about the great Christian martyr. In the end, the life of Bonhoeffer, so well rendered here, stands as a clarion call to all of us to rise up in our lives and live our faith all the way out. Metaxas' rendering of this great life is a must read.

I became interested in Dietrich Bonhoeffer after plowing through the William Shirer very detailed three-part history of the Nazis, from their quest for power through their rule of Germany ending with its defeat in 1945. The Shirer series provides a detailed account of the role of various Christian denominations with the rise of the Nazis. It's easy to be perplexed by the passive to active consent by many religious leaders to the Nazi genocide of Germans, Slavic Peoples and Jews alike. Eric Metaxes sets the stage for the story of Rev. Bonhoeffer in a chronological factual manner, allowing the reader to sense the tension of the age in the German and International ecclesiastical community as career religious opportunists distinguished themselves apart from men of authentic faith such as Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer's bravery as well as that of fellow co-conspirators to assassinate Hitler is thankfully not over-sold by Metaxes thus making an impression of Bonhoeffer life-lessons highly meaningful in an age of many pretenders to piety

The question that will continue to haunt humanity in the wake of the incomprehensible evil of Nazi Germany is “How could the churches see what was happening and do nothing to stop the horror?” In this intriguing biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we are given a clear and detailed response. With the use of an exhaustive collection of source materials (highlighted by Bonhoeffer’s letters, sermons, addresses, and prayers) we see how, year by year, an unholy emphasis on church politics, international alliances, and the emphasis on doctrine rather than faithfulness, helped to distract attention from the awful truth of what was happening right on the Church’s doorstep. Bonhoeffer’s life is a study in how an individual is called to live out his most deeply held beliefs.

Before reading this book, I had known that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Christian pastor who had been executed by the Gestapo very near the close of World War II. I had not known that he had taken an active part in the German resistance to Hitler (which culminated in the July 20, 1944 attempt on Hitler???s life). The German Resistance was led by group of appalled Germans of high military, government and social rank who had detailed information on the full extent of the Nazi atrocities committed against Jews and other minorities in Poland, Russia, and Germany itself. Bonhoeffer joined the Resistance through social connections, prompted by the information about the Nazi atrocities that he learned from his brother-in-law, a high official in German military intelligence (the ???Abwehr???).

For Bonhoeffer, a brilliant and highly dedicated Christian theologian and pastor, his participation in the Resistance was part of his Christian calling. In the face of the almost unfathomable evils of the Nazi Regime, he concluded it was not enough as a Christian merely to stand aside and refuse obedience to Nazi dogma. Rather, he was called to do whatever he could (and, in his circumstances, he could do a lot) to take down the Regime, including participation in a plan to assassinate Hitler.

The close of the book I found quite moving. Bonhoeffer was slated for execution by the Gestapo on Hitler???s direct order. His final hour was spent in prayer, knowing he was losing all chance for future happiness with his fianc?? and further time with his family, but in full anticipation of a new and blessed life with Christ in Heaven. I found myself moved to prayer as I listened to this account of his death.

Eric Metaxas has done a wonderful job introducing this man, Bonhoeffer, to a new audience. His style is unassuming that the reader may already know Bonhoeffer. Metaxas transports the reader to be a silent observer of Bonhoeffer's life as it unfolds. The narrators does a great job as well. I listen while running and it makes the time go by fast.

I would not be truthful if I did not say this book has changed my life. Bonhoeffer was a Christian pastor who put his life on the line in standing up for Christ in the face of Nazi Germany as part of the resistance movement. Well, he paid for it with his life, as he was destroyed (physically) just days before the war was over. He was valiant and heroic. I can only hope I would be able to be so valiant in the same situation.

I learned so much about just exactly how Hitler was able to fool all of the people some of the time, enough of the time to come into power. I was almost overcome with disbelief as I learned things I had never even heard of before. And the really scary part is that in this land of liberty of ours, we have started down that same path. It takes my breath away.

This book did not dwell on the Nazi atrocities, but it did go into a little detail near the end of the book. At that point, I could not control my emotions, as I sobbed for the innocent people who were slain by these butchers, and prayed that the Lord in his tender mercies, had taken from them the sting of death. I have to believe that he did.

The question that I am left with: How is it we humans can treat one another in such an inhumane way? That is always the question. How do some people get the idea that they have the right to dictate to other people how they should be allowed to live their lives, or IF they should be allowed to live.

I am very interested in learning more about Hitler's rise to power, partly in the hope that perhaps something can be done to see that this sort of thing never happens here! I believe we are dangerously naive if we believe it never could.

This is a very detailed biography of Bonhoeffer, and a clear insight to past history of Germany that we should now be more mindful of in light of present national and world situations. Its flow is written well enough to keep your interest unless you are not interested in the dangers of the past. This is also inspiring to those caring enough to be informed and take a stand.

Eric Metaxas book on the life of Bonhoeffer is amazing! It's true. It's thorough. It's inspiring. Bonhoeffer was able to overcome Nazism, Liberalism, and Pietism. He embraced a Bartian theology that holds the Bible in highest regard. He believed (and lived) a faith that is IN this world but not OF it. I found myself thinking Bonhoeffer is my hero! A much needed reminder of someone who lived out an evangelical faith in the real world when the world around him didn't. Well Done Metaxas! I thank God for you!

Having never considered the possibility of Christianity existing in the country which produced the Nazi regime and Hitler, I was totally amazed at this magnificent biography. I was humbled to hear the grief expressed by a German Christian at the horror of Auschwitz, and the virtual annihilation (or attempted), of Jews, Gypsies, disabled people, and many another minority groups. I had, to my disgust, assumed that all Germans were similar to Hitler, in their thoughts, beliefs, and general demeanour. How wrong I was! I suppose because I come from a generation whose parents were affected by the second world war – their parents either fighting against 'the Germans' physically, or widowed because of the war. Because of never studying history from an unbiased perspective, I am ignorant. I am very much aware of the difference between those of Nazi-mentality, many of whom exist today, and those German Christians, many I'm sure exist to this day. I'm very grateful for having my eyes opened. One should never ASSUME anything! Praise the Lord!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Colin

Birmingham, United Kingdom

4/18/12

Overall

"Inspiration for the discerning reader"

This biography has come under various degrees of criticism from scholars who accuse Metaxas of hijacking Bonhoeffer for the evangelical cause. They no doubt have a point, but then every side has wanted to claim this remarkable, courageous, ambiguous man as their own. As a card-carrying evangelical I tried to listen with discernment, but nevertheless emerged with a deep sense of gratitude for the life of such an astonishing and inspirational individual. Metaxas is a superb writer, and I found the narration to be excellent. Whatever quibbles one might have about how the author interprets some of the details of Bonhoeffers life and theology, only the hardest heart will fail to be moved by this wonderfully told account.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Mr S Harris

Cardiff Wales

10/16/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Well worth the 20 hours of listening"

A thorough and detailed look at the life, faith and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

An inspirational man who's life is a challenge to us all.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mark

4/16/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enjoy"

Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed. Long but necessarily so, to do justice to Bonhoeffer and his remarkable and challenging story.Narration very pleasant and easy to listen to.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

J

4/2/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"This story is extraordinary"

This book is detailed and reveals a though telling of Bonhoeffer's life and theology. It is challenging and a worthwhile read.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Charlotte Faint

3/21/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"excellent book"

What made the experience of listening to Bonhoeffer the most enjoyable?

'enjoyable'.. but a really easy to listen to book and deeply thought provoking,

Any additional comments?

if you want an insight into the war and Bonhoeffer - excellent, easy and very difficult to read at the same time. Wasn't graphically horrible, but you get the gist.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.